MILITARY WRITER RUINED BY THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3065, 28 April 1917, Page 10

MILITARY WRITER RUINED BY THE WAR

COLONEL MAUDE'S AFFAIRS

Colonel F. N. Maude, the well-known military writer, recently attended before tho Bankruptcy Judge in London to show causo why he should not bo committed to prison,for tho non-pay-ment of certain instalments of a debt for which judgment had been obtained against him, and in respect of which an order had been niado for the payment of £10 a month. Giving evidence, Colonel Maudo said' that he had been absolutely wrecked by the war, and he had.nothing to rely upon but his pension. He had. no re-! tiring allowance, and everything had slipped away from him. Had not his solicitors stood by him very generously he would have been starving. Mr. Justice Low said he did not see how the colonel could pay £10 a month. Mr. Harvey Samuel, for tho judgment creditor, said the colonel had admitted that ho had had £30 a month, and out of that he had paid £5, Sir. Stavridi (for Colonel Maude) said his client owed other money—some £3500 altogether. .• , Mr. Justice Low: Why does ho not go to the Bankruptcy Court? Colonel Maude: Because I cannot get the £10. He added that if he could hold on for a few weoks.his debts would not trouble him, as he was promised "a good thing" in tho War Office, for which he had-been working. Mr. Stavridi pointed out that since January Colonel Maude's literary work had stopped; his optimism had killed it. ■ Mr. Justice Low: I have read enough of Colonel Maude's work to see that whatevor the colonel's gifts may he, he does not shine as a prophet. (Laughter.) Colonel Maude: Both Sir' Douglas Haig and Lord French have agreed! with me all tho way through, as can lie' seen from tho interview of tho other day. Mr. Justice Low: I shall adjourn this summons for thwe, ironths, and hear what you both have to say then. Colonel Maude: Thank you, my Lord. That ought to make it. all right.